cover image Dark Sun Rising

Dark Sun Rising

B.L. Bonita. Samhain, $3.50 e-book (122p) ISBN 978-1-61921-163-6

Bonita (Killer Appeal) sets this poignant, heartwarming story in the California mountains in what appears to be the late 19th century, and fills it with engaging characters, gritty dialogue, smoking-hot love scenes, and western action. Emporium owner Charlotte Phillips and former Buffalo Soldier Avery Samms meet under the most unusual circumstances: Charlotte takes her mother’s advice “to be strong in the face of danger, and when the time arises to forget about being a lady,” and courageously throws her body across Avery’s to save him from a savage whipping. The strong-willed white woman and prideful black man soon begin a passionate forbidden relationship. The appearance of Charlotte’s racist fiancé, an ambush shoot-out, and a scene-stealing lovable guard dog add to the humor and dramatic tension. Readers who thrive on stories of empowered women and sexy, brooding men will savor this historical tale of interracial love. (Oct.)